Natives To The American Continents

Tongva by: John Tallacksen

  As a European American who was born in the U.S. I've lived my whole life with an understanding that I both belong on this continent and I don't. Europeans came in and dominated this land in terrible ways that I don't agree with yet the products of this horrific history is all I've ever known. This is a very real and sensitive subject that I confess has me confused as to what my responses should be. On one hand, I feel a duty to at least acknowledge the truth and try to explore it more. On the other hand, whenever I attempt to process through some of this out loud I am quickly reminded that I am a "white man" who enjoys white privilege and knows nothing of the issues. Someone always ends up getting offended. I do not wish to offend anyone- I want to know a truth that we can set free to heal and be able to have peace in our lives together.
  The ACEO pictured above is a miniature painting of a woman from the Tongva Tribe. As far as I know this tribe is one of the earliest people groups to live in what is now called Los Angeles, California. I would like to find better ways to honor those that have cultivated and inhabited this land before us. This painting is just a start, and I hope it leads to more understanding and better ways to honor others in the near future.

Two Disney TV Series That Look Amazing

  Both of these animated shows look great as far as visuals and animation go- we'll see about story. Unfortunately I had nothing to do with either of these productions, but they look like a lot of fun to work on.

Tron Uprising on Disney XD:


Motorcity Compositing Reel:

Motorcity was created by Chris Prynoski. This show premiered yesterday (Monday, April 30th at 9pm, ET/PT on Disney XD). The new series is produced by Robin Red Breast, Inc. (subsidiary of Titmouse, Inc.) and Disney Television Animation. The first episode should be available to watch for free on iTunes (there’s a free iPhone/iPad game on iTunes as well).

The Beginning Of A New ACEO Batch

View this auction and others here

  I am very grateful to all of the collectors of my work. This is another announcement of a new batch of originals. Above is a new ACEO I have posted for auction on Ebay. I will be posting more 10 day auctions in the coming days so as always- check my Ebay store often.

UPDATE 5/2/2012: There are two more ACEOs posted for auction in my ebay store. Some have already been bid on and there are collectors "watching" some of these auctions. This is your chance to own affordable and easily collectible original art! Get your bids in now.

Caricature Fund-Raiser For the Children's Hospital

Earlier today I had the pleasure of raising money for the Children's Hospital Los Angeles by drawing caricatures at a booth in Plaza Mexico. Below are some warm up sketches of people who walked by.

Of course the caricatures were given to the people I drew, but here are a few of my sketches of people walking by after I was warmed up. 

                                     
 

School Squelches The Creativity The Future Needs

  This last March I posted a link to Karla Vasquez's short piece on Art and school. Today's post is sort of a follow-up on the same notion of schools downplaying creativity when it is exactly what we need for an unknown future. In the video above, Ken Robinson makes his case for changing the approach societies have towards education in light of this problem we are facing. 

Book Design With Chip Kidd

  No, you certainly won't get much out of smelling your Ipad, and ironically you couldn't start a fire with your Kindle in survival situations. This video from Ted Talks is the recording of a book lover, like myself, talking about designing some of the most innovative book packages in our times.

Drink and Draw: 2 Weeks In A Row

These are my drawings from a weekly event in downtown Los Angeles called Drink and Draw every Thursday night at 8pm. These particular sketches are from the last two weeks. Come out and draw with us on Thursday nights.